OC Cupcake Classic: The Judges

It's definitely cupcake season! During the past month, I have eaten cupcakes at some kind of event every weekend. Good thing my I've upped my triathlon training or I would be gaining some serious pounds.

A few months ago I was asked to be a judge at the OC Fair's OC Cupcake Classic. Of course I was thrilled because I LOVE the food. So much good food in one place! Saturday was the big event. Unfortunately my husband was out of town, but my brothers and friend were there to support me and take pictures.

The OC Cupcake Classic is a cupcake competition that is open to everyone. There are three categories to enter: Professional, Amateur, and Youth.

You can't have a cupcake competition without some judges. So I'll start my coverage of the event with the introduction of the judges:

First: me, the Cupcake Activist. You all know me.

Next, one of my favorite Orange County cupcake bakers, Monica Serratos. Monica is the owner of Two Parts Sugar, but you might recognize her from the hit Food Network show "Cupcake Wars." Monica was a contestant on the pilot episode that aired in December. I know Monica from all of the cupcake events we've attended together. Not only is she super sweet, but she makes a delicious raspberry red velvet!

Photo: Angry Julie

Another well-known judge was Nancy Luna, writer of the Fast Food Maven blog for the OC Register. Nancy's column reports on restaurant trends, culture, and trends. I've been featured in her column several times. Although we've corresponded many times, this was my first time meeting her.


The last judge was Babette Pepaj, founder of Bake Space, a social network for foodies. Bakers can swap recipes on the website and build friendships, based on their shared love of food.

Photo: Angry Julie

I had a great time getting to know these ladies and sharing our love of cupcakes. I felt honored to be judging with such big names in the food world. More details about the event coming tomorrow...